How to Boost Morale and Engagement in Blue-collar Workspaces

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that more than 2 billion people in the world work in the informal economy, with the proportion of blue-collar workers varying significantly between 25%-68% depending on the region. Manual labourers are absolutely critical to the functioning of any modern society and economy. They are the foundation of infrastructure, drivers of the manufacturing/production sector, and providers of essential services, to name some. Unfortunately, the proportion of blue-collar workers relative to the entire workforce has gone down significantly especially in developed economies due to automation and tech, globalisation, and aging workforce and retirements. Other reasons include safety issues, lack of recognition, and low pay. Hence, it is vital to enhance morale and boost engagement at the workplace for productivity, retention, and positive work environment.

This is a guest post by the wonderful Lucy Rose. Thank you, Lucy, for writing this for me.

Recognition, Appreciation, and Empowerment

Although the total number of blue-collar jobs may fluctuate, some sectors are experiencing growth. For example, the handymen sector is experiencing significant growth according to Customer Market Insights. Driven by demand for home maintenance and repair services as well as aging infrastructure, the sector is expected to grow by over 16% during the period 2023-2033. In short, traditional skills are very much needed and the prospects are bright for those seeking a conventional career.

Overall, many blue-collar industries are going through skilled worker shortages which lead to delays and increased costs for businesses. Retention is also a problem that must be addressed. In this regard, it is vital to acknowledge specific accomplishments of workers especially those involving effort or going above and beyond. Implementing an ‘employee of the month’ program and awards for reaching production milestones can boost morale and forge team spirit.

Training and Career Development

Another important strategy to sustain worker engagement is to offer opportunities for employees to learn new skills. This move will keep work interesting and at the same time, affirms the company’s interest in their future by investing in them. Furthermore, businesses can support workers in obtaining industry-recognised certifications enhancing their professional value which can lead to higher wages.

Within the company, advancement opportunities can be offered such as supervisory roles or maintenance specialists. On the other hand, mentorship programs provide opportunities for newer staff to be guided by experienced workers. For employees who show potential, leadership training and coaching prepare them for management or supervisory roles. A Gallup survey revealed that 17% of companies are more productive if training is offered to employees while a SurveyMonkey poll indicated that 6 of 10 workers think training helps them in doing their job better.

Safety and Well-being

Companies should go the extra mile and make concrete efforts beyond compliance to ensure the safety and wellbeing of workers. In this regard, concerns brought up by workers should be addressed immediately. This is especially true of hazards that affect safety at the workplace. Furthermore, investing in the best safety equipment not only safeguards the business and its premises but more importantly, protects the lives of workers. Hence, a truly safe environment builds trust among staff because it demonstrates that management cares.

The physical demands of the job must also be considered. In this regard, ergonomic solutions can offer relief and prevent injuries that not only reduce productivity but also impact employee morale. For example, material handling and lifting aids can optimise working height, eliminating the need to bend, stoop, or reach excessively. Electric or powered options reduce manual effort in moving heavy loads over distances helping improve comfort and productivity. Overhead systems that can lift and position heavy or awkward objects prevent manual lifting of engine parts, sacks of material, and other heavy loads.

On the other hand, legally mandated safety equipment for many blue-collar roles includes head, eye and face, hearing, respiratory, and body protection. Moreover, for those working at heights, fall protection equipment is required. To illustrate, a full-body harness is essential to distribute fall forces across the body shielding vital organs. Lanyards connect the harness to an anchor point while a self-retracting lifeline (SRL) prevents substantial free fall by automatically adjusting line length. Employers can also go beyond the mandated safety equipment by investing in emerging technologies. For instance, smart helmets use sensors for impact detection and vital signs monitoring. Smart vests and wristbands may also keep tabs on vital signs, fatigue levels, body temperatures, and so on.

Blue-collar workers are fundamental to building, operating, maintaining, and keeping the wheels of society turning. Recognition, appreciation, training and career development, and improvement of safety and well-being are crucial in boosting morale and engagement of employees at the workplace.

Next
Next

The Future of Time Management is Here.